ALBUM REVIEW: Ibibio Sound Machine – Uyai

Helena Jung takes a look at the new release from Ibibio Sound Machine

By Helena Jung
on Tuesday, February 28th, 2017

Merge Records

Released: 3.3.17

ibibiosoundmachine.com

Ibibio Sound Machine on Uyai are African percussion and vocals mixed with 80’s synth sounds and disco melodies; the combination is at first a little jarring but once you get used to it, its incredibly infectious.

This is music that just makes you want to dance. However, some of the songs can be a little strange at times, and the mix doesn’t always work.Still, it is easy to look past this, as when it does work, it really works, and epitomises absolute freedom on the dance floor.

Mixing western and ‘world music’ is always great, but what this particular mix of cultures makes is for an engaging and captivating listen.